A Case of Erythrocytosis Improved after Kidney Transplantation

Korean Journal of Nephrology 2011;30(2):220-224.

Hyang Mo Koo, M.D., Eun Jin Kim, M.D., Fa mee Doh, M.D., Shin Wook Kang, M.D., Kyu Hun Choi, M.D. and Tae Hyun Yoo, M.D.

Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

증례 : 신장이식 후 호전된 적혈구증가증 1예

구향모, 김은진, 도화미, 강신욱, 최규헌, 유태현

연세대학교 의과대학 내과학교실

Abstract

Renal anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease and known to be caused by erythropoietin or iron deficiency. However, erythrocytosis in patients on dialysis has rarely been reported and usually associated with renal cell carcinoma, polycythemia vera or acquired cystic kidney disease. Here we report a case of erythrocytosis in an ESRD patient with resolution after kidney transplantation. A 38-year-old man on peritoneal dialysis for 5 years was admitted for kidney transplantation. On admission, blood Hgb and Hct was 19.7 g/dL and 61.4%, respectively. Serum erythropoietin level was 347 mIU/mL. Multiple variable sized cystic lesions were identified on both kidneys without evidence of internal malignancy in abdomen and pelvis CT scan. After kidney transplantation, Hgb was 12.5 g/dL and serum erythropoietin level was 13.1 mIU/mL. Some of renal cysts on CT scan disappeared or decreased in size. This finding suggests that erythrocytosis in this patient can be associated with acquired cystic kidney disease.

Key Words: End stage renal disease, Erythrocytosis, Cystic kidney disease